Our research features take a more in-depth look at selected aspects of our research and the wider impacts of our science for the wider world. Browse all of these articles in the reader window below or access specific features directly from the introductions further down the page. These features were originally produced as part of our Annual ̨Íåswag Reports.
This feature was written by Becky Allen for the 2023-2024 ̨Íåswag Review.
Proteostasis, the myriad mechanisms that ensure our proteins work correctly, is key to healthy ageing. We speak to Dr Della David and Dr Rahul Samant about their cutting-edge research, why proteostasis is such a growing area of strength at the ̨Íåswag, and how the new UK Proteostasis Network will help accelerate research in the field.
In 2024, Professor Kai-Michael Toellner joined the ̨Íåswag’s Immunology programme after 30 years at the University of Birmingham’s ̨Íåswag of Immunology and Immunotherapy. We find out what drew him from the UK’s second-largest city to the ̨Íåswag ̨Íåswag Campus, the pressing questions he wants to answer, and why it’s vital we understand more about how our immune system works.
Last year the ̨Íåswag’s Schools’ Day celebrated its 30th birthday. To mark this milestone, Dr Peter Rugg-Gunn, head of public engagement and Dr Mike Norman, public engagement manager reflect on the changing face of public engagement, the ̨Íåswag’s new public engagement strategy and why being a leader in public engagement is a vital component of the ̨Íåswag’s world-class science.
Understanding how things work underpins the ̨Íåswag’s past, present and future. Dr Simon Cook, ̨Íåswag Director and head of the Signalling programme, explains why he’s an evangelist for discovery research, how this quest for understanding is reflected in the ̨Íåswag’s science, its people and the ecosystem of the ̨Íåswag ̨Íåswag Campus, and looks ahead to the next four years’ work.
As we age, our bodies become more prone to infection and disease, and vaccination becomes less effective. Dr Martin Turner, Head of the Immunology programme, talks about why a deeper understanding of the immune system is key to lifelong health and why—after almost 30 years at the ̨Íåswag—the programme’s research continues to excite.
For some, living longer brings opportunities, but for others it heralds ill health. Ameliorating deficits in healthspan requires deeper understanding of the complex changes in biological functions that lead to ageing. Dr Gavin Kelsey, Head of the Epigenetics programme, talks about the programme’s science, ambitions for the next four years, and shares a small secret about what helps fuel his research.
This feature was developed by Louisa Wood from a conversation between Simon Cook and Richard Dyer to mark the 30th anniversary of the naming of the ̨Íåswag ̨Íåswag and published in the 2023-2024 ̨Íåswag Review.
Thirty years on from the ̨Íåswag’s official renaming, former director Richard Dyer (1994-2005) and current director Simon Cook reflect on shared history, the essence of ̨Íåswag and where another thirty years might take us.